Party of Two

I enjoyed Olivia and Max's story. They were both well thought out characters; Olivia ambitious, loyal and cautious, and Max exuberant, idealistic and tender.I liked the scenes where they could be themselves together, all their sweetness and adoration and chocolate cake. The worry of Max being recognized for his high profile job was always there, and when they went public with it, it seemed so stressful. I really thought Max was going to end his career to be with Olivia, he seemed soooo all into this love, but I'm glad they came to a compromise that worked for both of them.

The writing in this book is very well grounded, with great dialogue and a great blend of some humor, and plenty of depth and drama. This book takes place in L.A., following a character who has just moved back to California from NYC. While I could do without the NYC bashing (kidding!), I really enjoyed seeing L.A. from the perspective of someone new to the city, and not there for Hollywood. It shows a different side of a city I would love to visit one day.Normally, romance books revolve around the “will they/won’t they” dynamic, except we all know they will so it’s more of us just racing to get to that point. While there are a few seconds of that, the rest of this book is really about the characters deciding if the relationship is worth it, and fighting to keep their relationship strong despite the world. It was honestly, really refreshing to read a book dealing with the actual struggles of a relationship, and not just the struggles of trying to get in one. The plot also includes some political aspects, and some aspects you typically see in books dealing with fame, and I loved how they were included.These two characters might be one of my favorite Jasmine Guillory couples. They are such well-developed characters on their own, and together they work together so beautifully. But let’s talk about them individually. Olivia is driven, dedicated, and private. She plans things in advance and is never one to make a quick decision. Max is equally driven and dedicated, but he’s fine with living a public life, and is just a hint impulsive. Okay, maybe a lot impulsive. Honestly, he reminds me of a golden retriever and I love him.We also have a good set of side characters, with a couple of familiar faces if you’ve read previous books. I can definitely see one of the side characters being the lead in Jasmine’s next book, but that’s all I’ll say about that.Do not miss this book. If you’re looking for a fun romance with all the drama and actual healthy relationships, please pick it up!

I'm glad I looked at other reviews and wasn't the only one who thought Olivia was annoying. Both characters definitely had their flaws but I truly believe that Max was not trying to intentionally hurt her or change her. I also don't really think he was truly selfish but I did think that Olivia could be selfish, insecure, and pessimistic sometimes and she was definitely trying to change him. And even though he proved to her time and time again that race didnt bother him, she consistently threw that in his face. She was ok but she got on my nerves to the point where I was like, "Max! Put your foot down and just leave her alone!" Everybody kept going on about he didn't deserve but I thought it was opposite, she definitely did not deserve him. Plus I feel as real friends, somebody should have told her the truth about herself and told her she was wrong with some things and the way she handled the situation was over the top, unnecessary, and over dramatically. Other than that, the book was good.

This book was just okay. When I first heard the synopsis for this book, I was instantly intrigued and bought it immediately. I’m sad to it but this book disappointed me.DISLIKES:1. This book was sooooo cheesy. Don’t get me wrong I love cheesy romantic things in books sometimes but this book had too much of it.2. The female protagonist is irritatingly difficult and unfair. Throughout reading this book I almost screamed from frustration because Olivia was so difficult for no good reason.3. Somehow this story feels so…..unauthentic? Outdone? Been there done that??? I just didn’t feel like I could connect with this story.4. The plot is extremely rushed. Within the first 50 pages more than half of the things mentioned in the synopsis already took place.LIKES:1. This book has a black female lead. As a black woman, It’s rare to This book was just okay. When I first heard the synopsis for this book, I was instantly intrigued and bought it immediately. I’m sad to it but this book disappointed me.DISLIKES:1. This book was sooooo cheesy. Don’t get me wrong I love cheesy romantic things in books sometimes but this book had too much of it.2. The female protagonist is irritatingly difficult and unfair. Throughout reading this book I almost screamed from frustration because Olivia was so difficult for no good reason.3. Somehow this story feels so…..unauthentic? Outdone? Been there done that??? I just didn’t feel like I could connect with this story.4. The plot is extremely rushed. Within the first 50 pages more than half of the things mentioned in the synopsis already took place.LIKES:1. This book has a black female lead. As a black woman, It’s rare to come across good quality books that are about us so it was refreshing to read this.2. Max, the male lead is super super sweet and kind. I wish Max was a real person lol.3. This book gave me major Scandal vibes. Olivia Pope and Fitzgerald Grant have their names written all over this book! (The female lead’s name is Olivia too coincidentally)4. It was an easy read come across good quality books that are about us. so it was refreshing to read this.2. Max, the male lead is super super sweet and kind. I wish Max was a real person lol.3. This book gave me major Scandal vibes. Olivia Pope and Fitzgerald Grant have their names written all over this book! (The female lead’s name is Olivia too coincidentally).4. It was an easy read.

I loved Olivia’s no-nonsense attitude from The Wedding Date, so I was eager to dive into her story in Party of Two.Olivia is very career driven. She’s a tough cookie. And after opening her own law firm, her focus is work and then more work. Max is passionate about change. He wants to improve people’s lives, so became California’s junior senator. Though, it means his job is his entire life. Still, they both have blossoming careers, and are highly intelligent in their own right. Olivia and Max are basically the definition of a power couple.I like how the book discusses white privilege and racism within the criminal justice system without straying too far from the narrative. Max is a white male, who grew up in Beverly Hills. He lived a charmed life, but he wants to use his abilities and privilege to help those who don’t have the same advantage. He may have been raised in a bubble, but when eyes were opened, he stepped up to make a difference. Olivia is not only a woman, but a black woman. So for her, every hurdle is twice the size.There’s a strong sense of female unity and triumph in this book. Olivia and her business partner, Ellie, are starting their own law firm and despite their challenges, I found their success to be very empowering. The same goes for Jamila, Olivia’s new friend. She works at a local food bank and is a refreshing ball of ambition and insight. Rather than compete for something shallow (like the attention of men), the women lift each other up and act as a support system for one another.My knowledge of law and the United States Senate doesn’t go much further than Legally Blonde, but I love how Guillory gives the reader a good look at the working lives of our characters. It’s not all smooth sailing, we see them face very real trials and disappointments as they try to reach success. Also, the protagonists are both in their late 30s, and have careers that actually keep them busy! It’s a subtle element but adds to the reality of the book.A good chunk of the novel is happy fluff, and I welcome it. I absolutely adore the way Guillory builds a love story. Even from The Wedding Date, I have loved the gentle but emotional bond the builds between the two characters. It has a natural depth to it, the makes it really easy to invest in. The characters are the perfect mix of authentic and dreamy and there’s a steady balance of romance and drama to keep the plot moving.However, this was not a 5-star read for me. The book’s synopsis suggests there’s a scandal that will turn the narrative sideways. But when the “rocky past” is eventually revealed, it doesn’t play that big of a part. I was expecting more, especially when it comes to a life in the “spotlight”. When I did reach the inevitable fallout, it didn’t feel significant enough to be entertaining. For me, it lacked the emotional grip that compels me to keep reading. Fortunately, I’m a fan of the author and the series so there’s no way I’d ever give up on this book.Principally, Party of Two is a lovely read. The characters are likeable, relatable, and realistic. The romance is as swoon-worthy as always, and the plot is incredible easy to fly through.Anika | chaptersofmay.com

The 3 stars are really just for the writing which is good as usual. However, I disliked the heroine, Olivia so much it was really hard to push through and carry on reading the book at times. From the beginning ofthe book she was annoying and so judgmental. Without talking to him, she assumed he was “just” and actor and therefore empty headed and full of himself. From their interaction he was none of those things. It didn’t get better from there. Instead of talking to him, she assumed he just wanted a fling. When proven wrong and he wanted to go public, instead of doing her due diligence-she is supposedly a successful lawyer who was a partner in a big firm in NY- she procrastinated and then complained when things didn’t go her way. Was Max too optimistic about people being interested in his love life? Yes. However, Olivia as a black woman as she often pointed out, and a successful one at that should have known better. If anything instead of being in her head, she should have “googled” similar situations at a minimum and more aptly talk to her sister who is after all the chief of staff of a political figure. Caution is all well and good but she was so timid, even I the reader was frustrated. Max was open and earnest. Maybe too much, however she expected him to be a mind reader. First she lied about how great her firm was doing then she never openly voiced her concerns. In Hawaii she talked about the big conversations people should have but she never brought any. The whole debacle with her arrest was over the top. I completely understand how this teenage mishap would color people opinions because she’s black and because he is a politician. What I couldn’t understand is how on earth she wasn’t proactive in at least writing a statement about it. She’s a lawyer after all. Going out with Max, a politician, it was bound to come out. The community meeting was the last straw for me. Yes, Max was wrong to put her on the spot like this. However, she just confirmed that love should be an action word. Instead of throwing her toys out of the pram and breaking up with him, she should have taken the time to cool off and then have a mature conversation with him. I understand this is a romcom format, however for people almost in their 40s, this felt forced and too juvenile for me. I guess my overall issue with this book is that Max was obviously so in love with her while she was dragging her feet, it made me uncomfortable. Once again, he came back with a way to move forward. At least she showed up at his office but by that point it was too little too late for me.Apart from Wes, the book also lacked a “consistent helpful” supporting cast. Jamila and Kara were just fluff. I also find it strange that they would go public without meeting each other family and friends first. If only so they wouldn’t get blindsided by the reporters. There also was a few editing issues.

I really enjoyed this book. I thought the two leads Olivia and Max were real and well-thought out characters and it was fun modern day romance, full of charm, some angst, HEA and lots and lots of delicious cake what more could you need.

Absolutely papI don’t think I finished it, lacked depth, was predictable. Only wish the characters were believable. The premise is good and it is a nice bit of escapism but lighter than a marshmallow and as believable as the tooth fairy (massive eye roll)

Really enjoyed the book. Loved the characters and their realistic flaws. Would love to know what happens, if he ever became president.